Customs Honours Outstanding Officers, CGC Adeniyi Bags Lifetime Achievement Award

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured outstanding officers and personnel for their excellence, dedication and professionalism during the Award Dinner Night held as part of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The event, which took place on Thursday, July 23, also saw the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to public relations, strategic communication and institutional reforms within the Service.

The award ceremony attracted senior Customs officers, public relations professionals, media executives and development partners, all gathered to celebrate excellence, encourage professionalism and reinforce a culture of outstanding service across the organisation.

Speaking during the presentation of the awards, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said the recognition was aimed at celebrating officers whose commitment, professionalism and innovation have distinguished them in the discharge of their duties.

He noted that recognising excellence remains one of the most effective ways of motivating officers to perform even better.

"Tonight, we celebrate commitment, hard work and the values that continue to strengthen the image and reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service," Maiwada said.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ike Neliaku, commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General for entrenching professionalism and enhancing capacity building within the Customs Public Relations Unit.

According to him, recognising excellence inspires others to strive for higher standards, adding that the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated that strategic communication is critical to institutional success and sustaining public confidence.

Similarly, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, described the initiative as a significant investment in human capital.

He said organisations that reward hard work and professionalism lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth, while urging award recipients to remain committed to ethical conduct, transparency and service to the nation.

Among the major award recipients were Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Anawanti and Superintendent of Customs Umar Abdullahi, who received the Distinguished Service Award in Public Relations for their outstanding contributions.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa'idu and Yusuf were honoured with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit, in recognition of their efforts towards strengthening the Unit.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Lukman Abdullahi-Lagos emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Alex Akiyenyele Award as the Outstanding Public Relations Officer of the Year.

The ceremony also recognised excellence beyond official duties with the presentation of the Best Dressed Male and Female Officers Awards.

In addition, Abdulkarim Zurmi and Lucy Nyambi were honoured as the Best NCBN Staff Attached to the Public Relations Unit, in recognition of their dedication and exceptional support to the activities of the Unit.

The award night marked the grand finale of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference, underscoring the Service's commitment to recognising merit, promoting professionalism and strengthening strategic communication as a vital pillar of effective public service.